Vietnamese authorities have indicted 26 people, including the principal of Tuyen Quang High School for the Gifted, in connection with an investigation into alleged misconduct during the 2026 National High School Graduation Examination, a case Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has described as "particularly serious."
Provincial police announced on July 15 that investigators had filed charges against seven additional suspects, including principal Nguyen Thi Hang and six others, on allegations of abuse of position and authority while performing official duties under Article 356 of Vietnam's Penal Code.
The latest indictments bring the total number of suspects in the case to 26.
The new charges follow a series of earlier indictments. Two days before the latest announcement, investigators charged 15 additional suspects with the same offense. On July 9, police had already announced criminal proceedings against four individuals, including Tran Thi Thu Hang, vice principal of Nguyen Van Huyen High School, and Nguyen Ha Duy, a mathematics teacher at Tuyen Quang High School for the Gifted.
Nguyen Thi Hang became principal of Tuyen Quang High School for the Gifted in 2023 after previously serving as Head of the General Education Division at the former Tuyen Quang Department of Education and Training.
Investigation into unusually high mathematics scores
The investigation began after unusually high mathematics examination results at the elite school drew nationwide attention.
During a provincial press conference earlier this month, Tuyen Quang Provincial Police said investigators had identified violations of examination regulations at the school's examination center.
According to the preliminary investigation, Tran Thi Thu Hang served as chief supervisor of the examination site while acting as vice principal of Nguyen Van Huyen High School. Investigators allege she instructed several invigilators to create favorable conditions for candidates during the mathematics examination in violation of national examination rules.
Police further allege that, acting on Hang's instructions, mathematics teacher Nguyen Ha Duy entered examination rooms and directly assisted several candidates during the mathematics test.
Authorities said the Ministry of Public Security instructed Tuyen Quang police to launch an immediate investigation after reports emerged of suspicious examination results at the school.
Prime Minister orders comprehensive investigation
The case was discussed during Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's working session with Tuyen Quang provincial leaders on July 15.
After receiving reports from the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Public Security, provincial authorities, and other agencies, the Prime Minister described the alleged violations as "particularly serious."
He said the case had undermined the integrity and fairness of Vietnam's National High School Graduation Examination while damaging public confidence in both the education system and the administration of one of the country's most important public examinations.
Provincial officials told the Prime Minister that investigators had identified 26 individuals suspected of violating the law and that authorities intended to handle the case thoroughly, strictly, and in a manner that would serve as a warning nationwide.
The Prime Minister instructed investigators to establish the facts objectively, transparently, and in accordance with the law while ensuring that every individual found responsible is held accountable based on the nature and seriousness of their actions.
He emphasized that any decisions regarding examination results must comply with examination regulations and Vietnamese law while also protecting the legitimate rights of students.
PM Le Minh Hung directed the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Tuyen Quang People's Committee to continue coordinating closely throughout the investigation.
Provincial authorities were instructed to identify all individuals involved without exception, conduct a comprehensive review of examination results at Tuyen Quang High School for the Gifted, and submit recommendations to the Ministry of Education and Training regarding appropriate handling of the affected examination results.
The Prime Minister also ordered the Ministry of Education and Training to conduct a broader review of the 2026 National High School Graduation Examination nationwide and to strengthen examination regulations and security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He further called for transparent public communication once official conclusions become available and required provincial authorities to acknowledge responsibility for any shortcomings in organizing and supervising the examination.
While the investigation continues, Le Minh Hung urged the public to remain calm and allow investigators to complete their work objectively and professionally before official conclusions are announced.
Vietnamnet.vn
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